Delivering his speech as the chief guest at the inauguration of the two-day international technology conference iCONNECT 2026 held at Premier University on Friday (September 25, 2026), Mayor Shahadat outlined major civic automation initiatives. These include AI-based smart traffic systems to ease congestion, digital public reporting platforms like the "Amader Chattogram" app, underground optical fiber cabling to eliminate overhead wires, and AI-driven monitoring for waterlogging, waste management, and public safety across 130 kilometers of solar LED-lit city corridors. He called for strong multi-sectoral collaboration between municipal bodies, universities, research institutes, and industry partners to drive sustainable urban innovation.